Japan Tax Debate May Undermine Deeper Reforms

TOKYO—The Democratic Party of Japan swept to power nearly three years ago after promising a clean break from the way politics and policy making had been carried out over the previous five decades.

But as party leaders scramble to enact their top legislative priority—a sales-tax increase to curb the country's debt—some members say it's the DPJ that has changed: by casting aside some of its election manifesto promises and drawing...